Air bag module with floating door attachment
US5904367A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 1, 1997 |
| Grant date | May 18, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 1, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R21/2171
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An air bag module mounted in an instrument panel has an air bag adapted to deploy through an opening in the instrument panel. The air bag module comprises a canister adapted to contain the air bag, and a door extending across the open rear of the canister. The door closes the opening in the instrument panel but is adapted to open when the air bag deploys. The canister is attached to vehicle support structure and the door is attached to the instrument panel. The door and canister are connected together by upper and lower beads on the door received in upper and lower channels on the canister. The beads have a floating fit in the channels. Accordingly, the canister can be rigidly attached to the vehicle support structure and yet there is enough float to allow the door to be secured in proper position to the instrument panel. As a result, the fit and finish of the door in the opening can be virtually perfect.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.